Greyhounds News: Top dog wanted

Greyhounds News / Editor / 15 September 2009 / Leave a Comment

"Taylor's resignation followed an extraordinary general meeting at the GBGB offices in London in the wake of criticism of its handling of recent events."

Taylor out after criticism, SOS await meeting and is College Causeway on the road to Wimbledon? All the latest news from the world of the dogs...

Greyhound racing is on the lookout for a new CEO following the news that Ian Taylor has resigned.

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain announced Taylor's resignation, which followed an extraordinary general meeting at the GBGB offices in London in the wake of criticism of its handling of recent events.

These include changes to the vets' inspections forms, called for by trainers anxious that additional costs on them would be incurred, and the furore over 'pooled' samples, which involved a change of procedure in the way greyhounds are tested for prohibitive substances.

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King Lee has been withdrawn from the Romford Puppy Cup.
Liz McNair's dog, due to take his chance in the first semi-final on Friday, was pulled out on Tuesday morning 'off colour.'

Lenson Bolt, who is bidding to add the Romford prize to his Kent Derby victory, kicked of his campaign in the heats last week with a win and now ranks as favourite for the youngsters' annual.

However, the Tony Collett-trained runner has drawn by far the toughest semi-final this Friday.

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College Causeway could be heading for Wimbledon and the 2010 English Derby.

So said connections of the wonderdog on Saturday as he completed an unbeaten run through the Irish Derby in typical last-to-first fashion.

The Pat Buckley-trained, Vince and Mike McKenna-owned superstar caught Oran Classic close home to grab gold in the 175,000 euros Classic, vindicating the decision to sidestep the Wimbledon Derby this year.

"It meant we could concentrate on Shelbourne," said Buckley. "And it worked out so well. There was not a niggle with the dog, who has struggled with injury in the past. And it's great to have now won two Derbys in the year after Shawfield [Cabra Cool].

College Causeway will be four-years-old come next May, but has not had too much racing and would attract huge support during his challenge as the newly-crowned 'peoples' champion'.

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A meeting between housing developer London & Quadrant and potential buyers of Walthamstow Stadium has been set for Tuesday week.

The meeting could be the first of many leading to the sale of the famous old stadium, which has lay dormant for over a year now. A publicity campaign in the local area, organised by the Save Our Stow campaign, is believed to have been key to the north-east London site's owners agreeing to a meeting.

The SOS team have suspended any further action pending the meeting(s) to allow talks to continue in good faith.

"Contrary to what has been written, the only way our campaign will cease is when the traps open for the first race back at the 'new' Walthamstow," said one insider. "But while these meetings are going ahead, a Press blackout will exist."

THE Betfair Derby at Yarmouth is turning in a shootout between Mark Wallis and Charlie Lister.
Lister's Wimbledon Derby finalists Farloe Reason and Fear Zafonic cannot be split in the betting, both available at 4.6.
However, champion trainer Wallis still has several qualifiers, with Sunderland Classic winner Jogadusc Ace leading with the way.
However it is the unbeaten Barrie Draper-trained Glenroe Ginger who has been the springer in the market, down to 5.5 for Yarmouth Derby glory.
The Betfair-backed semi-finals take place on Thursday, with live-on-Sky final and supporting card set for Tuesday.